Blu-Jay graduates take next step in 'Chasing Greatness'

Pleasanton High School seniors Kinley Hawkins, left, and Emersyn Cayton enter the PHS gym as the audience stands at the beginning of commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

When Pleasanton USD 344 Superintendent Don Epps took over the reins of the district two years ago, he adopted the phrase "Chasing Greatness" to inspire students from elementary through high school to reach for their potential.

Salutatorian Holley Coffman

For the 37 seniors of Pleasanton High School who crossed the stage on Saturday, May 10, to receive their diplomas, the course of that chase became their responsibility.

After the entry of the seniors, PHS Principal Sara Conley welcomed the gymnasium full of family and friends of the graduates, and praised the class of 2025 for their dedication.

Senior Holley Coffman, class of 2025 salutatorian, was the first student to address those gathered. She was followed by the first of two valedictorians, Madison Crismas. In a speech that was at times emotional, Crismas reflected on her educational journey as part of the graduating class.

Valedictorian Madison Crismas

Shiloh Skipper, the co-valedictorian and recipient of the Governor's State Scholar Award for finishing her educational career in the top 1% of the students in the state, presented a certificate to Conley denoting the role the principal played in influencing her education.

Following the speeches, the graduates lined up on the east side of the gym, passing across the stage as Conley read each of their names. The students shook hands with Epps and members of the Pleasanton district's board of education before receiving their diplomas. Board President Cindy Inman passed out most of the diplomas but that duty shifted to other board members for special presentations.

Valedictorian Shiloh Skipper gives Principal Sara Conley a certificate indicating that she was the most important influence in her education at PHS.

Returning to their seats, the class of 2025 moved the tassel on their mortarboard caps from right to left. After they were deemed graduates, caps flew into the air along with confetti shot from handheld stick "cannons" they had picked up in a backstage room and concealed beneath their robes. As the celebratory chaos was completed, family and friends gathered around the newly minted alumni to extend their congratulations.

Seniors circulate through the audience handing out flowers to family and friends who have been influential and supportive during their education.

Graduates move their tassels from right to left, signifying the end of their high school journey.

Newly minted PHS alumni celebrate the end of their high school career.

Family members gather around graduates following the ceremony.

Members of the class of 2025 receive their diplomas:

(Destiny Fletcher provided some of these photos)